Embiid's Triumphant Return
After nearly eight months on the sidelines, Philadelphia 76ers superstar center Joel Embiid made his long-awaited return to the court in Friday's preseason finale against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Embiid, who had been sidelined since February 22 due to a knee injury, put on an encouraging display, recording 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists in the Sixers' 126-110 victory.
Rookie Grimes Shines in Debut
Joining Embiid in the Sixers' lineup was rookie shooting guard Quentin Grimes, who made his preseason debut after signing a one-year, $8.7 million contract. Grimes, the 76ers' first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, showcased his athleticism and scoring ability, finishing with 26 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 5 steals in 34 minutes of action.
Edgecombe Solidifies Starting Role
Another standout performer for the Sixers was VJ Edgecombe, the team's third overall pick in the 2025 draft. Edgecombe's impressive outing, which included 26 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 5 steals, reaffirmed head coach Nick Nurse's pregame statement that the rookie is expected to be in the starting lineup for the regular season opener.
Sixers Optimistic Heading into Season
The Sixers' strong preseason finish, highlighted by the returns of Embiid and Grimes, as well as the continued development of Edgecombe, has the team and its fans feeling optimistic about the upcoming season. With their core pieces healthy and a talented rookie class ready to contribute, the Sixers are poised to make a deep playoff push in the Eastern Conference.
TL;DR
- Joel Embiid made his preseason debut for the 76ers, recording 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists in a win over the Timberwolves.
- Rookie shooting guard Quentin Grimes impressed in his first game, scoring 26 points and adding 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 5 steals.
- Third overall pick VJ Edgecombe solidified his place in the starting lineup with a standout performance.
- The Sixers are feeling confident heading into the regular season with their core players healthy and a talented rookie class ready to contribute.